How to Massage Your Scar After Knee Replacement

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching if you find any of these techniques helpful please give this video a thumbs up and leave a comment!

[@geelmur]

I wish I had found your videos earlier after my sept 24 surgery ! I feel my doc or PT ‘s should have told me about all this massaging ! They didn’t tell me to use vitamin E oil until 3-4 weeks post op!!! Thank you . I hope this can still help me at 8 weeks out . I am still so tight , it kills me to go to 97 degrees flexion and my therapists are not happy with that double digit number . I was bone on bone and only at 90 degrees pre/surgery ..thank you !!!

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching this one and I’m so happy you found this video! Don’t worry even after 8 weeks massage can be very beneficial for you! Consistency is the key and you’ll be able to see the benefits after 2-3 week. If you want to learn more about how you can properly care for your TKR after surgery check out my ‘Surgery’ playlist on my channel here ➡️ kzbin.info/aero/PLJSZ9UiXuFy9FZCwQsAHdIuEXXqfH6sW3&si=z89fn-SMum73w5y4

[@jeanrobinson5562]

Hi doc it’s been 7 weeks after my knee replacement. My knee is so stiff after I do my exercises. I am massaging 3 times a day . I was using Vitamin E oil for 5 weeks. Ive been massaging dry for 2 week but the knee is still very tight around the stitches. I will follow the instructions I’ve just been watching, praying that they help me . Thank you Jean

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching here and taking the time to comment! The flexibility in the knee after this surgery sometimes can be stubborn! Be patient and try to find various exercises you can perform that will help improve your flexibility. Sometimes it’s best to try different stretches rather than just focusing on 1-2! I’ll link my surgery playlist below ⬇️ where I go over some of my favorite exercises in a few of those videos! Here would be a good start for you! Take care! kzbin.info/aero/PLJSZ9UiXuFy9FZCwQsAHdIuEXXqfH6sW3&si=JtaovZ_LUXjRf5d8

[@kevinkiss3340]

I m 6 weeks out. Very Frustrating the stiffness. I agree with you.

[@judyl.4043]

I'm in 7th week and so very frustrated with the pain and the feeling like my knee is going to rip apart. I've had no one tell me any of this. I got out my Vitamin E oil and I hope this helps.

[@tracyhenry9304]

I’m six weeks in, for both. The stiffness is more pronounced in the right.

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

Thank you, Dr Mike. I’m now 5 weeks post op and the tightness is present. This video is extremely helpful. Thank you

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate your support and I hope you found this video helpful! You’ll be surprised how effective daily massage can be for the stiffness around your knee after surgery! Keep up the good work!

[@FlorenceNiblett]

I had a knee replacement 3 months ago, I just saw your videos to help with the stretching and massages. I did the massages with the video because my Patella is still a little tight. Thank you for the information ❤❤❤

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment! I’m glad you found this one helpful!!

[@DebrasDeliciousDishes]

Thank you, so much, this helped me a lot to get use to movement of my joint pain, after surgery, I like that it wasn't anything too strenuous.

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch this one! I’m so happy to hear this video was helpful for you! Wishing you a smooth and easy recovery! Hang in there!

[@marianneanker3877]

Thank you Dr Mike. I'm 5 weeks post op knee surgery, feels extremely tight. Thank you. Your exercises sound good

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and support the channel! I’m glad that you found this video helpful!

[@sguptamallick]

Very useful video, as I am in the 8th week post knee replacement surgery stage, shall follow this to take care if the scar!

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and support the channel! It really means a lot you took the time to comment! Wishing you the very best!

[@SilviaRabell]

All your videos have been very helpful, thank you so much for sharing, sometimes nobody tells you these things

[@MovewithDrMike]

I am so happy to hear you've been enjoying the content and getting value out of these videos! Your support means so much to me and I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@megkrutzler7185]

Went to PT today, and my new therapist just went over this with me. I find your methods very helpful. Thanx for the insight. 😍

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and for taking the time to comment! I’m glad you found this one helpful! I personally feel these techniques can have a great impact on muscle and connective tissue flexibility!

[@raquelhughes4246]

Ty dr Mike very helpful. This is my 8 th postoperative week. So this is very much appreciated.

[@MovewithDrMike]

I’m so happy you enjoyed this video and found value in it! I feel like a lot of these points resonated with many people and I’m glad I can provide a little insight on the recovery process! Good luck with your recovery and PT! Hoping you have a smooth and fast recovery!!

[@WinsomeSpeight]

Much improvement to my leg stiffness after doing these exercises along with you!! Thank you so much!!!

[@MovewithDrMike]

I’m so happy to hear this video helped you! Thank you for taking the time to watch here and I appreciate you commenting!! Wishing you the best!!!

[@jessieyoung1907]

Thanks for the video, going on three weeks tomorrow so this surely helps 🙏🙏

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I’m glad you found this video helpful! Wishing you the best in your recovery! Take care!!

[@ladonnavance795]

As always, another awesome video to aid in TKR. Thanks for touching every phase one need to obtain maximum restoration. Everyone don’t be so hard on yourself when recovering. Take each week to get stronger, one step and day at a time. We got this! Week 12- still going

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for stopping by to watch and for taking the time to comment! I’m so happy to hear that my TKR videos have helped you out during your recovery journey! It is a passion of mine to be able to share with you all my knowledge in this field! Week 12 and you can do this! Stay positive and hang in there! Any other topic or question related to TKR you’d like to know about?

[@thomassmith4266]

These are great exercise. thanks, they are helpful.

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch this one! I’m so happy to hear you found this video helpful!!

[@sereneting7519]

Thank you Dr Mike and the opportunity to waych you valuable videos.. I had my knee half knee replacement surgery 6.5 weeks ago.. can i do this now?

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch here! Your support means a lot! I would say yes if your dressing and staples are all removed and you have your surgeons clearance you should be good to go!

[@kathystclair9485]

Thank you so much for a much-needed video. Your videos are spot on and to the point. I am almost 5 weeks out and I did these with you. I will try to keep these up. In case no one has told you, TKR is not for sissies!😁

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching this one and supporting the channel! TKR surgery is no joke and I can tell that you’re really spending the time to take care of your surgery! It really shows how much effort and hard work you’ve been putting in! It will pay off in the long run! Keep up the good work and stay encouraged!

[@Stardancer700]

I had bilateral knee surgery May 13. Your exercises help me a lot! You are great! Any advice for me with both legs. can Ido these exercises the sane way but both legs?

[@camybritt]

Hi this camy I love to get some more exercises from you I had a knee replacement surgery November 16th and my scar is still huge

[@MovewithDrMike]

Hey Camy thanks for the watching and supporting the channel! If you’re looking for more exercises I’d highly recommend you checking out my surgery playlist! I have many videos on my favorites exercises after surgery on that playlist! I’ll leave the link here: kzbin.info/aero/PLJSZ9UiXuFy9FZCwQsAHdIuEXXqfH6sW3&si=3mD_01_H9z6T1tIH

[@camybritt]

how do I go about hearing about more exercises from you

[@marywilliams6823]

Thank you for this video I needed one to help with the scar tissue. Only 4wks after my surgery and the incision is healed no openings but is extremely tender. I do my exercises daily but limited on some due to finding out 7 days after the surgery I have a Baker Cyst behind that knee this has been no fun. Dr will not drain it because of possible infection. Said I have to wait two to three months… 😭

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and supporting the channel! Wishing you the best in your recovery! Hang in there!

[@JoseSanchez-jz5gm]

Very good massage.thanks you

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching!!

[@jangriffin-fi1yx]

Great demo on scar knee massage techniques to use.

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words! Your support is appreciated!!

[@grannyroma9740]

v.useful simple & soothing finger massage to painful knee.thx dr

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment! I’m happy you found this technique useful!

[@chitranawoor610]

Thk u so much for ur massage technique

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch! I’m glad you found this video helpful!

[@tessgrawehr3607]

Thank you, its very helpful

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment here!!

[@bibiabdullah2850]

Great help

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment here!!

[@jeanineberna8458]

My PT massaged my scar & it hurt like crazy! It was so sensitive. It’s been a couple of weeks now and it feels much better & is softening very well!

[@MovewithDrMike]

Yes this can definitely be sensitive but it can make a whole world 🌎 of a difference! Glad your recovery is going well!! Keep it up!!

[@jeanineberna8458]

@@MovewithDrMike thank you! My left knee TKR is in December, now I know what to expect.

[@MovewithDrMike]

@@jeanineberna8458 EXPERIENCE does help! Thanks for stopping by the channel to watch!

[@alicenorris7060]

Hi, I was wondering if you have any videos on bi-lateral knee replacements. Just your videos.❤

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for stopping by to watch! What topics or questions about bilateral TKRs did you have in mind?

[@elainetalavera480]

Hi Dr Mike My husband is 8 weeks now since surgery. We have been watching your videos and have learned alot. He has been swollen, very hard, stiff since his first week from the thigh down. He has had 10 PT sessions and has seen his surgeon twice. Nobody has anything to say about his situation. "This happens in some cases" Our question- when does the swelling go down?? What else can he do for that swelling n stiffness. He elevates, puts ice, does his exercises. He is not in constant pain, but his leg is so stiff and hard he can't drive or get in a car. What can he do besides MUA?? TIA

[@MovewithDrMike]

First off I want to say thank you for supporting the channel and for taking the time to follow and watch these videos! It means a lot to hear from people like you who have been enjoying the videos! As for swelling I would say many of my patients deal with this differently. Some have more swelling than others but there are effective ways to manage this! I’ve seen swelling start to improve between the 6-12 week mark for many but just know it is normal to still have swelling even after 3 months. Factors like health history and spending long hours standing/walking on your feet can influence this. If you haven’t already done so check out the video I made about my favorite strategies for managing swelling! I’ll post the link below for you to watch! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpqTqZiOm9WYh6ssi=VTUdqN5vYB5P8V7-

[@PATRICIAKELLOGG-g6f]

I am 82 & had knee replacement surgery on 6/3/24. I did well in PT but after that was over I got busy and did not keep up wit it. Now my knee continues to be very stiff and a little painful. I am afraid more scar tissue is forming. Is it too late to do something?

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch this one! Soft tissue massage can still be helpful even if you’re 4-6 months out. The key is to continue to perform activities that will help stretch and lengthen the tissues around the knee to prevent the knee from getting stiff. Soft tissue massage along with continued stretching can help achieve this!

[@marilynvictoria967]

very helpful

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch this one! I appreciate your support!

[@jenf.6078]

This is so helpful thank you! Im 7 weeks out from tkr and the incision itself seems to move pretty well with the massage. My question is: i have like a thick area about right at the top of the incision and up about an inch (almost feels like a muscle knot) is that probably skar tissue then? The massage does help its just so stiff and sore there. My range of motion is just not where it should be and im hoping that the massaging will help!!

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and for commenting! I really appreciate it! Congratulations on your recent surgery and I hope things are going well! I would say that what you’re experiencing is a combination of fascia/connective tissue restriction and some muscle tightness most likely from the quadriceps. Massaging does help with pain management and focusing on exercises that stretch your knee to its end range consistently each day is what I’ve seen makes the most difference! If you haven’t already done so take a look at the video I made about improving knee mobility! I think some of these can really help you out! Here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmKsfJimiNFjnNksi=JqX1X20XvCcqGIrJ

[@Stardancer700]

I had bilateral knee surgery May 13. Your exercises help me a lot! You are great! Any advice for me with both legs. can Ido these exercises the sane way but both legs? 4:00

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment here! Yes absolutely you can perform these exercises on both legs! You can treat them the same!

[@Stardancer700]

@@MovewithDrMike Thank you for the feedback! It‘s been challenging but I glad I did them both. My surgeon does bilateral he is in Hawaii Dr Cass Nakasone. He felt it a good option for me. He used zip line for the incision and it is clean, easy to remove and scar us light. Your exercises are really helping me! Thank you! I‘ll keep following! Eve S

[@dharmafriendship]

This is very helpful Dr. Mike. Thank you. I am 3 weeks post TKA and my PT has just started introducing some of these techniques to break up adhesions beneath the skin. The area beneath my scar actually feels pretty good, but lateral at the angle of the patella, when I massage in circles, the skin is very tight and occasionally I get burning pain sensations. How do you suggest I work with pain while doing these exercises. p.s. My PT speaks English as a second language, so your thoughts greatly appreciated.

[@MovewithDrMike]

Hey thanks for stopping by to watch this one and I’m glad you found this video informative! These techniques are so important and in the long run can have a positive effect on your knee recovery! It’s amazing how much influence tight connective tissue and fascia can have on your overall pain and range of motion! The pain will improve and it’s important to keep trying to work through some of the discomfort! Sometimes that may mean you will aggravate some of the nerves around the knee but overall with time this should be occurring less and less. Keep the consistency up and keep moving!

[@mikehall7806]

excellent video

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for stopping by to watch!!!

[@Diana-007]

Great timing Dr Mike, 4 weeks coming up! Interesting you’re the first to discuss the idea of examining the non-surgical leg first, which makes total sense thank-you, my scar is healing well, no signs of infection so I’ll start this tomorrow, with very clean hands of course! It’s probably the midwife in me but I’ve been using hand gel again after hand washing just incase 😁 I appreciate your expertise, thank you. I presume you don’t use massage oils or anything at this stage, when can you start using those? I also seem to feel a very broad tight band across the top of my knee just above the incision it’s painful to push pass this when I’m doing my knee bends, I’ll do a bit of massage on that too, I wondered if you had seen this kind of thing before, sounds silly but it kinda feels like the layers are too tightly stitched 😁 and please don’t worry if your not allowed to answer I’m seeing my physio next week anyway. 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching this one! I had a lot of fun making these one especially knowing how effective these techniques can be for people! I’ve seen it first hand with my patients! And as far as the hand gel I think it’s a really good idea to keep good hand hygiene during these procedures so good thinking! For these techniques massage oil is not needed and in fact it’s probably best since you do want a little bit of traction to get a hold of your skin underneath your fingers! And you can definitely check with your surgeon or physio to see when it is okay to start using other products over the incision. As long as the staples are out and incision is healing well I think these techniques can really help that tight band across the knee that you’re experiencing. Good luck and let me know how these go for you! Thanks again for your support!

[@Diana-007]

@@MovewithDrMike Many thanks Dr Mike, much appreciated.

[@AM-ik3bq]

Great video

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching!!

[@LiaqatAlibaloxh]

Hi good evening 4 months ago i was faced accident so my knee bone fracture so doctor plastered on my knee but now im using bicycle for 8 km morning and evening but a little problem im facing i do'nt set on my legs without support plz kindly tell me what i do?? Thanks

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching! I really appreciate it!

[@obscurelyvague]

I have been doing the massage at home. My PT says I have been doing a good job as the hard bumpy surface seems to have lessened and gotten softer. However does scar tissue regenerate and grow back ? Also is scar tissue only on top of the knee where the surgery scar is or is it also elsewhere around and in back of the knee?

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching! Once you address the scar and remodel it by performing massage it does not return to its original state. And Scar mobilization is only needed over the scar itself. Hope that helps!

[@aliciahencley7349]

How long after surgery do we keep doing the physical therapy exercises for my knee replacement

[@MovewithDrMike]

That’s a great question! I would say that exercises should be continued and progressed all the way up to at least 12-16 weeks. This should be a slow progression of focusing on greater range of motion and building more strength/stability in the knees. Even after about 16 weeks though you’ll want to continue some exercise because you don’t want to lose all the progress you made! So I would say for the long term you’ll want to continue exercises even after full recovery for at least 2-3x per week for maintenance!

[@aliciahencley7349]

Thank you. That was helpful I'm in my 3rd month of recovery. The exercises have helped a lot. And I will continue them for awhile after recovery. And your videos are so helpful. Thank you

[@MovewithDrMike]

@@aliciahencley7349 I’m so happy to hear my videos have been helpful! Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@janiceburnett8326]

Hi Doc My ligament slips at the back on the side I think it’s the band Can I have help this please it’s a horrible sensation It’s when I bend to straighten my knee

[@MovewithDrMike]

Scar mobilization and massage can be a great way to reduce pain and improve fascia/tissue flexibility. I use this all the time for my patients who are suffering from pain after knee replacement. Thank you for watching!

[@read6236]

I watched the video 8 years after my operation 🙂

[@MovewithDrMike]

I’m so happy to hear you found this video and hope it was helpful! Wishing you the best! Thanks for watching!

[@lindaellner6552]

I have had 7 months of tight skin just looked at your video. Done a 5 minute of circular up and down scar has helped a little shall carry on now. My scar is still very red. But l am a dibetic so l know it takes longer to heal. Any recommendations are welcome please.😊

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I’m glad this one was helpful and I would continue to use the various techniques that I discussed in the video to help improve the flexibility of the scar. Over time this should improve and you’ll be able to know that by comparing non surgery side as well! The skin should essentially be able to move in ALL directions! Hope that helps!

[@margaretperlman4993]

Do you use vit E or other ointments or oils?

[@MovewithDrMike]

No it’s actually not needed with these techniques since you do want a little bit of traction with the skin. Thanks for stopping by to watch!

[@Bumblebee5229-s1s]

Thankyou so much, but you didn't show how to go down the stairs, please show us

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for taking the time to watch this one! I really appreciate it! If you want to learn how to improve your strength with stairs check out this video here ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnLYl3SghpeqhNksi=HClHotI53_4UhE9J hope this helps!

[@ellenbacklin]

The legs not as swollen already though. .

[@LilFran379]

I'm screwed!! This grosses me out doing this. I almost passed out....rofl

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Wishing you the best!

[@ellenbacklin]

Thanks but I'm in first week. Not yet. I'm miserable especially when my pain and torturer ( I mean physical therapist) straightens my knee. That's the worst. The pain makes me nauseous. Is that normal?!

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! You made me laugh when you said torturer! Lol pain this early after surgery is normal and it does get better! Hang in there you got this!

[@MarySmith-gd7bj]

7 years still scar tissue

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@joonymoon]

The typed instruction hides what you are doing.

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you for watching I really appreciate it!

[@joonymoon]

Thank you from a viewer in Thailand.

[@MovewithDrMike]

@@joonymoon wow from Thailand! That’s amazing thank you for the support! Much appreciated!!!

[@winsomehenderson9884]

It's one month and 3week now since I do my knee it's not bending and am getting therapy for 8 week still not bending am so stress

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching! The best you can do is to focus on stretching and your range of motion exercises at least 3 times daily to help improve your mobility! Stay positive and take it one day at a time! Still have some good time to make progress!

[@Karl-Benny]

Please show a real Knee scar

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thanks for watching and will definitely create more content with patients who have real knee scars! Wishing you the best!!

[@rosek315]

My skin is so tight I can NOT grab

[@MovewithDrMike]

Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment here! You actually don't need to be able to grab the skin in order for these techniques to be effective. You can start off by firmly using your fingers to rub and loosen the skin and then eventually you may be able to get a hold of a little bit of skin once the fascia and connective tissue has stretched!

[@rosek315]

@@MovewithDrMike Thank you it is preventing me from bending my knee. I can feel a stretch like if it would just pull away all will be great :( I wish I could send you a pick makes me wonder if it is scar tissue. Plus how would a MUA help?

[@MovewithDrMike]

@@rosek315 If patients are unsuccessful with performing their therapy post operative than sometimes the surgeon may elect to perform a manipulation under anaesthesia which will help break up scar tissue in hope to restore normal range. This is really the last result when all other options have failed but it’s definitely a procedure that I try to prevent with all of my patients. Hope this helps

[@rosek315]

@@MovewithDrMike Ok I am trying so hard emotions all over the place. I will NOT give up. I will continue massage and PT. Thank you so much for your reply

[@MovewithDrMike]

@rosek315 wishing you the best!!

[@Dancingdancer-p6g]

soon as you said I have to watch till the end of the video I turned you off.

[@urmikala4874]

Who's loss is it?

[@TIMOWHITEBUFFALO]

Oh no...not the man bun dude again...see ya

[@tramirmorris57]

Hey Dr I'm 7 weeks out of tkr and I my exercise and do p.t as well ,but my knee is very still and sore in the morning is there any other exercise I can do to help with this ?

[@MovewithDrMike]

Hey thanks for watching here and taking the time to comment here! I’d recommend taking a look at all the videos I have in my ‘Surgery Playlist.’ I have many videos about best exercises for TKR! Here it is: kzbin.info/aero/PLJSZ9UiXuFy9FZCwQsAHdIuEXXqfH6sW3&si=hNsaI8Q-j33SjdZd